Doctrine — Prophecy — end times — the second coming — tribulation

“WHO DO YOU SAY THAT I AM” signed Jesus, of Nazareth

A question from the one, who many called Rabbi, who many thought to be Elijah or one of the prophets. To those who followed him in and around the city of Jerusalem he was obviously from God, because of the things that he said and did. But He asked His closest followers “who do you say that I am?”

This is the question each one of us must answers for ourselves.

In John’s Gospel within the first chapter, this Jesus of Nazareth is identified as the Word; the creator; the Messiah; the Son of God; the Son of man; grace; truth; the King of Israel; and the lamb of God. He is called the light who will enlighten all men. And yet we are told that even His own received Him not. But to those who did receive Him, who John says are born not just of flesh, but of God; to them is given the power to become sons of God.

The Sanhedrin were jealous of Him — who was this man who the crowds were following? He is a blasphemer they said. He is from Beelzebub.

Peter knew who He was “You are Israel’s Messiah, the Son of our one True and Living God. Nathanael knew Him. Nathanael answered and said unto Him, “Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God; Thou art the King of Israel.” John 1:49

Why is it, when Jesus came forth out of the nation Israel as prophesied hundreds of years before, and was recognized as her Messiah by a remnant of her people, and later after His resurrection as the savior by this same remnant, and as the one who fulfilled her scriptures; yet, still the Religious leaders in Israel knew Him not.

What about today? Who do the religious leaders say that He is? Some say that he is but one of many ways to God. Others that he is a great example to follow. Some recognize him as savior, but they no longer see Him as Israel’s Messiah.

We hear that He is the Son of God, but why is He no longer the Messiah of Israel? They call Him Jesus Christ the Son of God, but what does that mean to them? What does Christ as His title mean? Some say that Israel is no more, that we have replaced her as God’s people. That we are His bride.

He is called savior of the world, so some believe that one day the whole world will be saved and that there will be no hell — no lake of fire.

To some He is the Lamb of God — a very Jewish concept, because He is the Passover Lamb slain to save us from our sins.

Some call Him lord. But to them there is this danger that He may say to them “depart from me because I never knew you.”

We are told that He is the soon coming King. That He will replace the dominions of this earth and reign over the nations from His throne in Israel with His bride.

Yet, to some, He is the bridegroom preparing for His Gentile bride, who will rule and reign with Him, but this from a heavenly abode apart from the throne in Jerusalem where scripture proclaims His abode as King, or does it?

He is the judge, who is worthy to pass judgement; because He the word is the creator of all things. He says that He will judge all men when He returns; yet many tell us that we are to be judged before He returns. Which is it really?

We are asked to accept that we as a people are either separated from Israel or that we have replaced her; yet who is this that we have now ourselves placed our faith in? — Is He still Israel’s Messiah and the savior of her remnant? Does Ephesians 2 offer for us Gentiles a joining with them as recipients of His promises and covenants to them or not?

Why is it that the gospel was to be taken to the Jew first? Why is it that men today are teaching that this gospel offered first to the Jews was not the gospel that you and I have received?

Why is it that Abraham, who was chosen from among us Gentiles, and who was promised that his seed would be a light unto the Gentiles, and who is listed in Hebrews among the people of faith; and in Romans as the father of the uncircumcised Gentiles of faith; yet we are told that Abraham nor his seed are seen in Jesus’ bride? Have some (many) in the church attempted the theft of Israel’s Messiah?

We are to make them Jealous not rob from them. These are the ones promised to be brought back and remarried to Him their Maker, their redeemer Isa 54, chapter 53 gives us reason for their present widowhood and future remarriage.

How can Israel see this truth when we her offspring attempt this theft. Yet the theft is perpetrated by a vast majority of believers. Replacement Theology in its many forms has stolen from them their rightful place in Messiah. On the other hand the main alternative to Replacement theology is a Separation theology which I call Hyper-Dispensationalism; which has also stolen from them their rightful place in Messiah. Can we partake of her blessings and promises without allowing her to participate with us as the bride of Messiah? Are we or are we not one with Israel’s remnant in Him?

The Gospel carried to the Jews first was about a new covenant a covenant offering a heart circumcision. He is a true Jew who has had his heart circumcised. We cannot usurp a Covenant promised to the Jews. There will be a remnant from the Jews (from Israel) for these last days, who will accept this Covenant. Will there also be only a remnant left among the Gentiles who will take to them the message of their Messiah. Will the falling away among the Gentiles be partially caused because this truth of the Scriptures is being overlooked?

But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either. Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For just as you once were disobedient to God, but now have been shown mercy because of their disobedience, so these also now have been disobedient, that because of the mercy shown to you they also may now be shown mercy.

Romans 11:17,19-23,30-31 NASB emphasis mine.

Remember not all Jews were cut off from the Olive tree to make room for you, and not all Gentiles will be cut off to make room for their Re-grafting. It is an individual belief thing. But is what you believe about Jesus important in these last days?

..”if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either.” So why were some cut off in the first place? — …”they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith.” Your faith is in the Jesus of Scripture, don’t turn Him into another Jesus.

You who once were no people are now God’s people in Him the Jewish Messiah, who will wed a Jewish bride to rule with Him as King over the Gentile nations. Even so come quickly Lord Jesus.